Broccoli, which is also known as asparagus cabbage because of its delicately spicy aroma, is one of the extremely he althy vegetables: The superfood is packed with vital substances and also contains secondary plant substances that protect the body from free radicals. Before you can enjoy it, however, you have to clean and wash the vegetables thoroughly.
How should you wash broccoli?
To properly wash broccoli, place it in cold water, toss and hold under running water, bending the florets apart. Alternatively, soak it in vinegar solution or s alt water to remove dirt, pesticides and pests before rinsing thoroughly, shaking and patting dry.
Wash broccoli in clean water
Asparagus cabbage is always washed before cutting. Proceed as follows:
- Put cold water in the sink. Never use warm water as this can cause the delicate florets to wilt.
- Put in the vegetables, let them soak briefly and toss a little.
- Then hold the broccoli under running water to rinse out any loosened dirt well. Run your fingers over all the florets and carefully bend them apart so that the water reaches all areas.
- Shake asparagus cabbage thoroughly and pat dry with a clean cloth before preparation.
Cleaning broccoli in vinegar solution
This method is very effective at removing dirt, pesticides and bacteria:
- Fill a bowl large enough to completely submerge the asparagus cabbage with water.
- Add a good splash of vinegar.
- Put the broccoli in for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the vegetables and wash the vegetables thoroughly under running water, including between the florets.
- Shake dry and dab with a cloth.
S alt water bath against pests
The vinegar bath has little effect on cabbage caterpillars and small worms. For outdoor broccoli, it is therefore recommended to clean the vegetable in s alt water:
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and dissolve one to two tablespoons of s alt in it.
- Put the asparagus cabbage in the s alted water and let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Keep moving your head in the s alt water so that the insects are washed out.
- Clean thoroughly under running water.
- Carefully bend the florets apart to remove any pests.
- Shake off and dab.
Cleaning broccoli
Before you start cooking, the asparagus cabbage must be cut up. This is important because the stem cubes have a slightly longer cooking time than the florets:
- Cut off dry, inedible stem ends and coarse leaves.
- Separate the florets individually from the stem with a sharp kitchen knife.
- Save the tender leaves; these can be cooked with or chopped to decorate the dish.
- Peel the stems and cut into bite-sized cubes.
Tip
Broccoli has a very short cooking time. First, simmer the diced stem in boiling s alted water for a minute. Then add the florets. Cooking for four to five minutes is enough, then the vegetables are al dente.
